Things Your Skin Is Trying To Tell You And How To Respond
Fillers A substance such as collagen, hyaluronic acid, or fat can be used to “fill out” certain types of acne scars. Since fillers are eventually absorbed into your skin, youll have to repeat filler injections, usually every few months, depending on the substance used.
Punch excisions This type of skin surgery removes acne scars by individually excising, or cutting out, the scar. The hole left by the incision can be repaired with stitches or a skin graft. A skin graft uses a small piece of normal skin to fill in an area of scarred skin. Bruising can occur for one to two weeks after the procedure.
Microneedling Also called collagen induction therapy, this procedure involves pricking the skin repeatedly with tiny needles to stimulate the growth of new collagen. This can reduce the appearance of scars. Microneedling can improve the appearance of wrinkles, stretch marks, and fine lines. Skin redness may last a few days, according to the AAD.
Why Do Acne Scars Occur
Why do some people have acne scars, while others dont?
The reasons vary, but genetics is one risk factor for scarring. If a blood relative struggles with acne scarring, you might, too, according to the American Academy of Dermatology . Also, scarring tends to happen more as the skin loses collagen with age.
Because collagen plays a role in the healing process, your skin produces new collagen as it repairs itself after a breakout. But sometimes, it produces too little or too much, resulting in a scar.
Keep in mind that acne is an inflammatory condition. Scar development has a lot to do with the extent and duration of skin inflammation, so delaying acne treatment raises the risk of scarring, according to the AAD.
Acne scars result from a complex and abnormal inflammatory response, which results in poor wound healing, says Kara Shah, MD, a board-certified general and pediatric dermatologist with Kenwood Dermatology in Cincinnati.
Because scarring is a complication of acne, anyone who experiences a breakout can have temporary or permanent scars, according to the NHS yet scarring is most common in those who suffer from inflammatory acne characterized by numerous pimples and cysts, says Dr. Shah.
Tips For Clearing Acne In Skin Of Color
How to treat acne in skin of color
For people with skin of color, acne is often accompanied by dark spots or patches called hyperpigmentation. Fortunately, there are plenty of things people with skin of color can do at home to help clear their acne, as well as the dark spots that linger afterwards.
The term skin of color refers to diverse skin types and complexions. It includes people of African, Asian, Latino, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and Native American descent.
People who have skin of color share some common skin-care concerns. Near the top of this list is how to get rid of acne and the dark spots that often appear when acne clears.
The secret to seeing clearer skin lies in knowing what really works when it comes to treating darker skin types. Below youll find 10 tips that science shows can lead to clearer skin.
1. Treat both the acne and the dark spots.Many people seek a dermatologist’s help for the dark spots, which can last much longer than the acne. It’s important to treat the acne, too. When you get rid of the acne, you eliminate what’s causing the dark spots.
Acne and dark spots
Dermatologists recommend treating acne and dark spots at the same time.
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Spots and patches of darker skin
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Keloids, a type of raised scar
Do not pop pimples
If you pick, pop, or squeeze acne, you increase your risk of getting a scar.
Retinol: This can unclog pores and fade dark spots.
Cocoa butter
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What Ingredients And Products Are Best For Fading Acne Scars
Look for products with the ingredient hydroquinone, a skin-lightening agent in many OTC dark spot and acne scar treatment products. Products with kojic acid and azelaic acid are also effective ingredients to use in the early stages of acne as a preventative measure, Fenton said. He recommended PCA Skin Pigment Gel because it contains several of these ingredients, as well as alpha hydroxy acids that exfoliate the skin.
The active ingredients work much better at preventing the pigment from forming, rather than clearing the pigment after it has been deposited, Fenton said.
While true acne scars are best treated with lasers, microdermabrasion or deep peels, there are topical products you can use for minor discoloration. That starts with reducing sun exposure and using non-comedogenic sunscreen to prevent further discoloration of scars and dark spots, Friedler said. She recommended using an oil-free mineral sunscreen with an SPF of 50 or higher.
Exfoliators such as glycolic acids, retinols and retinoids can help even out skin tone and fade dark spots, too. Fenton recommended antioxidant serums, especially those with vitamin C.
There arent really ingredients you should avoid because you have Black skin. Naturally, you should use ingredients that are complementary to your skin type and address your skin condition, Ayodele said.
Vitamin A is also a gold standard ingredient as it can exfoliate, fade and optimize skin quality to improve the appearance of scarring, she said.
What Causes Dark Spots On Face
So, before we look at some of the home remedies for dark spots on the face, lets understand what causes them. The two significant reasons for dark spots on the face are scarring or hyperpigmentation resulting from prolonged exposure to the sun. Skin with a higher amount of melanin content, such as our Indian skin, is more vulnerable to dark spots due to the skins ability to capture the harmful sun rays. Additionally, factors such as waxing, excessive exfoliation, and acne scarring can cause dark spots on the face.
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Why Flat Acne Scars Form
Acne marks are known as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and occur when the skin over-produces melanin. Studies show inflammation induces damage to cells in the epidermis, which causes them to release large amounts of melanin. A common cause of the inflammation that leads to this chain of events is none other than acne. This is especially common for people of color and those with darker skin tones.IV
Use A Body Wash That Contains Salicylic Acid To Reduce Your Acne
If frequently washing your body and clothes isn’t cutting down your acne, you can also look for a body wash with salicylic acid to help break down the dirt and debris.
Insider previously reported salicylic acid works by killing the bacteria that cause acne and reducing inflammation on the surface of the skin.
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What Is Back Acne
Back acneor bacne for shortis, simply put, a breakout on your back. Like the skin on the face, the back is home to a number of sebaceous glands that excrete oil known as sebum. When bacteria, dead cells, and sebum build up, they can inflame the pores, leading to a breakout.
Because the back is home to a dense collection of sweat and oil glands, according to Rachel Nazarian, MD, it’s more susceptible to breakoutsplus, the area is almost always covered by clothing, which can cause further damage to the skin .
Getting A Professional Treatment
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How To Get Rid Of Dark Spots Caused By Acne: Fastest Treatments Home Remedies And More
- Dark spots caused by acne are known as postinflammatory hyperpigmentation
- They are caused by excess melanin production during the acne healing process
- These spots are not permanent and will fade over time
- You can speed up the recovery process with over-the-counter products and home remedies
Postinflammatory hyperpigmentation is the technical term for dark spots caused by pimples. PIH fades naturally on its own after a few months, but if you would like to know how to get rid of acne dark spots more quickly, you have several options. These include over-the-counter products, at-home remedies and professional treatments.
Contents
Why Dark Spots And Patches Appear
People who have medium to darkly colored skin get dark spots and patches because something triggers their skin to make extra melanin, the substance that gives skin its color. Many everyday things can trigger extra melanin in people who have skin of color.
Dark spots and patches often appear when:
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A pimple or patch of psoriasis clears
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A wound caused by an insect bite, cut, burn, or other injury heals
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You take certain medications
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A skin or hair care product irritates your skin
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Changes due to hormones occur, such as during pregnancy
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What Are Acne Scars
A generalised term, acne scarring can be used to refer to a multitude of different marks that a breakout may leave behind. “Acne scars come in different forms, including rolling, boxcar and ice-pick scars,” explains Pamela Marshall, clinical aesthetician and founder of Mortar & Milk.
While most types of scarring can be treated via various methods, there is one subset that requires specialist treatment, as aesthetician and founder of West Room Aesthetics Dija Ayodele explains. “Be wary that keloid scarring, which darker skin can be prone to, can make you contraindicated to treatment that works on the basis of inducing a mild trauma to the skin, such as chemical peels and microneedling. If youve got this type of scarring, it’s best to see a doctor or dermatologist that can provide steroid shots or advise on removing with surgery.”
How To Treat Dark Spots Caused By A Skin Care Product
When a skin or hair care product irritates your skin, the product can cause dark spots on your skin.
If you’re seeing dark spots, try using gentler products. They’re less likely to irritate your skin.
Products that are gentle on the skin are often labeled “for sensitive skin.” You may also see “fragrance-free” on the label.
When your skin in no longer irritated, new dark spots tend to stop appearing and existing spots often clear on their own over time.
Could a medication be causing your dark spots?
Dont stop taking it. That could make you very sick. Ask the doctor who prescribed the medication if discolored skin is a possible side effect. If it is, ask if you could switch to another medication.
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Why Does Hyperpigmentation Occur After Acne
Hyperpigmentation acne marks form towards the end of the healing process or once the acne blemish heals.
Whiteheads and blackheads dont heal. Instead, the dead skin and the oil are eliminated, and the pore quickly returns to its normal state. Cysts and pimples, on the other hand, require some healing. This is where hyperpigmentation steps in.
One of the first steps in the healing process is to increase blood flow to the wound site. And acne, to some extent, fits the definition of a minor skin wound, so blood flow increases when acne forms.
The wound releases certain chemicals that travel through the bloodstream and begin the healing process but also cause inflammation. These chemicals stimulate the cells that produce the skins pigment.
Both researchers and dermatologists agree that inflammation plays a significant role in hyperpigmentation. But, theres a lot more to study what causes hyperpigmentation acne.
As you read earlier, melanin produces pigment and melanin is produced by melanocytes. The longer a wound takes to heal, the longer the stimulation of melanocytes and more the release of melanin. This is how acne turns into hyperpigmentation acne marks.
One of the biggest culprits of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation caused by acne is picking zits. The best post-acne hyperpigmentation treatment is to avoid it in the first place.
When Should You See A Doctor?
If you notice changes in an existing spot, you should have a dermatologist or physician examine it.
Microdermabrasion Helps Remove Dark Spots
Image: 123rfMicrodermabrasion is an in-salon treatment wherein tiny particle exfoliating agents are blasted onto the skin in order to remove dead skin cells and dark spots caused by acne for smooth even-toned skin. Some microdermabrasion treatments include an exfoliating device with a diamond-tipped head that is run across your skin to remove the dark spots and other blemishes.
Tip:Make sure the salon professional does a full skin check up before suggesting this treatment to you.
Also Check: How To Get Rid Of Red Acne Marks
Buttermilk Helps In Fading The Pimple Marks
Image: 123rfButtermilk is rich in lactic acid and therefore is great for gently exfoliating dead skin cells and brightening skin to fade away dark spots. It will also help maintain your skins pH levels.
Tip:Apply buttermilk to your face with a ball of cotton. Let it sit for 20 minutes and then wash it off.
Hypertrophic Scars And Keloids
Poonsak Pornnatwuttikul/Alamy Natallia Mikulich/Shutterstock
Some types of acne leave scars that appear as enlarged, raised growths of tissue. These acne scars are caused by too much scar tissue. Hypertrophic scars and keloids look similar, but the latter are more raised than the former.
More on Managing Acne
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Acne Dark Spots: How To Get Rid Of Them
Medically reviewed by Kristin Hall, FNP
Just when you think it cant get any worse you have acne, isnt that bad enough? you find dark spots appearing as your acne lesions heal.
Having acne can disrupt your self-esteem, social life and general happiness. And dealing with scars and dark spots certainly wont do anything to improve the situation.
Fortunately, you dont have to live with acne or the dark marks that happen after. There are medications that can speed the healing of these spots, and measures to take to prevent them.
Q Are There Any Dermatologist
A. Dr. Modi shares, When the patients come to us, if they don’t have very dark spots, we first give them certain creams. If the patients have acne along with dark spots, we give them preparations that have adapelene, benzoyl peroxide and more to use at home. Other combinations like kojic acid are also given to treat dark spots. She further adds, Sometimes, the creams don’t work, so along with the creams, we do treatments that are available in the clinic. We do microdermabrasion, where we use aluminium oxide crystals, which are abraded on the surface of the skin, thus removing the superficial layer and lightening the skin.The next treatment done is called chemical peeling, where we use glycolic peels and salicylic peels, all of which work really well to reduce dark spots. We also do dermaroller treatments and microneedling treatments, where we put the cream on the roller and roll it on the face, which causes collagen remodelling and helps develop new skin. There are also laser treatments available that reduce dark spots.”
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Broad Spectrum Sunscreen Is Always Helpful In Keeping Dark Spots Away
Image: 123rfAll of your efforts in fading dark spots will go to waste if you do not use a good SPF cream or gel. Dark spots get more prominent when exposed to UV rays and even infrared rays. Therefore, always wear sunscreen whether you are indoors or outdoors.
Tip:Choose a lightweight gel sunscreen that offers IR radiation protection as well as UVA and UVB protection.
Removing Dark Spots On Different Skin Types
In darker skin tones, removing dark spots carries a risk of skin discoloration.
Azelaic acid and hydroquinone can cause hypopigmentation, the lightening of the skin beyond its normal color. Glycolic acid peels at high concentrations may have the same effect.
When properly performed, microdermabrasion is safe for dark skin however, if choosing between it and microneedling, the latter may be the safer choice.
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Honey To Remove Acne Scars:
What you need:
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon aloe Vera gel
What you have to do: Mix both the ingredients and apply it onto your cleansed face. Leave it for 20 mins then wash it with cold water.
How often should you use: Twice a week.
Why this works: Honey not only helps in treating skin related problems but honey adds a glow to the skin.
Caution: This treatment will help you in treating acne and acne-related skin problems. Another important point like maintaining hygiene, clean eating, and hydrating body is a must.
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